SOCIAL JUSTICE
BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE
Combating GBVF
in South Africa
SA’s Private Sector commits to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund
O
ur nation finds itself at war - in the thick of battle against tragically high rates of gender-based violence and femicide. In terms of reported rape cases, by the end of last year, a 1.7% increase was recorded - with more than 53 000 cases taking place in 2020 alone. The South African Police (SAPS) also encountered 1 638 more sexual offences than those recorded in 2019. These statistics, met with the stark reality of the Coronavirus global pandemic at the beginning of last year, have increasingly risen, with more and more domestic violence cases being reported weekly. In light of this ongoing crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Gender-Based
Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund 1, together with the International Women’s Forum of South Africa and social partners, early last month. This fund is a critical element of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF South Africa’s roadmap to ending this epidemic - and the overall GBVF response in the country.
It is not just the voice of women that matters, we have also included the voices of men in the conversation Making an impact: Private sector With the launch of this nationwide fund, President Cyril Ramaphosa displayed deep
36 | Public Sector Leaders | April 2021
respect and appreciation for the private sector’s much-needed contribution to combating Gender Based Violence and gender inequality. Collectively, the private sector has pledged R128-million to this multi-sectoral fund, with various companies and organisations coming together for real change. “We appreciate the resources businesses and philanthropies who are committed to social transformation have been able to contribute. This commitment comes at a time of great economic difficulty which itself contributes to the hardship and vulnerability affecting women. It is an important contribution to improving the lives of women and girls in our society”, Ramaphosa declared.
